Horned

Horned" bell. Vietnam, Dong Son culture (2nd century BC - 2nd century AD).
Copper alloy.
In good condition.
Measurements: 18 cm (height).

The "horned" bell in tender, so called because of the pair of goat horns cast on its top that act as buttons, is decorated with a warrior and a bird stamped. It has a bell-shaped body that widens towards its lower part and horns on its upper part. It also has two vertical rectangular sound holes, facing each other, in the upper part of the body.

Bells were an important percussion instrument in ancient China and the Far East. They emerged in the Western Zhou dynasty and flourished from the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period through the Qin and Han dynasties. Commonly used as palace music, they can be played alone, together or as an accompaniment to singing or dancing. It also reflects the symbol of status, rank and power.